Fan thumbnail 1
Fan thumbnail 2
+4
images
Not currently on display at the V&A

Fan

19th century (made)
Artist/Maker
Place of origin

Rigid fan of racket-shape. The enamelled handle imitating bamboo is attached to a mount framed in tortoiseshell over which gilt-thread gauze is stretched. A bough bearing leaves, flowers and pomegranates and three butterflies are applied on the gauze; they are embroidered in silk mostly in stem, long and short, and satin stitches and knots; they are matched by exactly similar applique on the reverse side of the fan. The mount is further embellished with an enamel plaquet representing a floral palmette, a similar palmette in carved and painted bone, a Chinese lettering in painted bone. The handle is ornamented with silk cords and tassels.


Object details

Categories
Object type
Materials and techniques
Embroidered silk appliqués on gilt thread gauze, tortoise-shell and bamboo frame with enamel plaques
Brief description
Rigid fan, embroidered silk appliqués on gilt thread gauze, tortoise-shell and bamboo frame with enamel plaques, China, Qing dynasty, 19th century.
Physical description
Rigid fan of racket-shape. The enamelled handle imitating bamboo is attached to a mount framed in tortoiseshell over which gilt-thread gauze is stretched. A bough bearing leaves, flowers and pomegranates and three butterflies are applied on the gauze; they are embroidered in silk mostly in stem, long and short, and satin stitches and knots; they are matched by exactly similar applique on the reverse side of the fan. The mount is further embellished with an enamel plaquet representing a floral palmette, a similar palmette in carved and painted bone, a Chinese lettering in painted bone. The handle is ornamented with silk cords and tassels.
Dimensions
  • Length: 20in
  • Max. width: 12.5in
Style
Credit line
Given by Mrs E. L. Cockell
Object history
Registered File number 1939/1484.
Bibliographic reference
Miller, Lesley Ellis, and Ana Cabrera Lafuente, with Claire Allen-Johnstone, eds. Silk: Fibre, Fabric and Fashion. London: Thames & Hudson Ltd in association with the Victoria and Albert Museum, 2021. ISBN 978-0-500-48065-6. This object features in the publication Silk: Fibre, Fabric and Fashion (2021)
Collection
Accession number
T.51-1939

About this object record

Explore the Collections contains over a million catalogue records, and over half a million images. It is a working database that includes information compiled over the life of the museum. Some of our records may contain offensive and discriminatory language, or reflect outdated ideas, practice and analysis. We are committed to addressing these issues, and to review and update our records accordingly.

You can write to us to suggest improvements to the record.

Suggest feedback

Record createdJune 25, 2009
Record URL
Download as: JSONIIIF Manifest